Universal Bass

Phutureprimitive's electronic downpour

Flying home after an entire year of touring, Portland native Phutureprimitive, aka Rain, is gathering energy for a voyage to the pyramids of Chichen Itza on Dec. 21. As the Mayan calendar transitions into the Fifth Sun along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, he will harness the universe with bass music.

Before heading south of the border, though, he plays Hopmonk's Juke Joint series this week. Phutureprimitive's lush organic tempos are showered with heavy bass distortion. Just as one emerges from the subliminal experience, the dubstep drop releases a downpour of cosmic tribal EDM. Classic electronica fans will appreciate the unique artistry of deep trance, while the mathematical duality of beat patterns and melodic phrasing blend with Rain's own hybrid of organic verses and electronic sounds.

"I love organic geometry—ferns are a great example of this: concentric repeating patterns that slowly change and morph," says Rain. "I put subtle sounds in the background, low in the mix, that aren't part of the musicality. Yet they somehow add contrast, creating a backdrop for the music to be heard. I'm expressing some of the dark side I carry around. Something that is dark in nature, yet beautiful."